Leadership Development

Leadership participants develop tightly knit groups and a sense of fellowship that is rarely found today. If adventure, challenge and learning are important to you, then our leadership programs are the place for you. At YMCA John Island Camp, we view leadership development as a corner stone of our program. Becoming a future camp staff member often begins within our leadership training programs. We believe good camp leaders possess a high degree of skill and confidence in the outdoors and a sensitivity to the needs of young people. Our leadership progression is designed to help young people develop greater self confidence, and ability to work in group settings, a wide variety of outdoor skills, and an appreciation for the needs of younger campers.

Although the John Island Leadership Development program is geared toward training potential camp staff, many have found the program to be very beneficial in other future endeavours at school, in seeking part-time employment and in their careers.

The Greenway program is offered in 2 different four-week sessions. Fun, adventure, challenge and growth are the key elements of a program carefully designed to help teens develop a wide range of skills in specific outdoor activities. In the Greenway program, leadership participants focus on developing their own ‘hard’ (technical skills in activity areas). They also focus on their role as a group member and effectively working within a group. Through individual skill development, group experiences and out-trips, participants gain valuable leadership experience.

Greenway participants spend approximately two weeks ‘in camp’. They work on specific individual skills in areas such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, and archery. Participants are encouraged to gain a base skill level in all of the activity areas as well as develop a higher level of skill in specific areas they choose. In addition to skill development Greenways explores trust and adventure through initiatives, our low and high ropes courses, complete their Bronze Medallion certification, ORCKA Canoe Tripping Level 1, and have unique rolls camp-wide activities.

While on trip Greenways experience a 2-week sea kayaking/canoeing wilderness expedition on the North Channel and in Killarney Provincial Park. This trip allows participants to continue their development of outdoor living skills and to experience the group dynamics of living in a tight community for an extenuating amount of time.

Norquays – Leadership 2

Norquay: June 30 – August 23, 2019 / Cost: $4350

The Greenway program is offered in 2 different four-week sessions. Fun, adventure, challenge and growth are the key elements of a program carefully designed to help teens develop a wide range of skills in specific outdoor activities. In the Greenway program, leadership participants focus on developing their own ‘hard’ (technical skills in activity areas). They also focus on their role as a group member and effectively working within a group. Through individual skill development, group experiences and out-trips, participants gain valuable leadership experience.

Greenway participants spend approximately two weeks ‘in camp’. They work on specific individual skills in areas such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, and archery. Participants are encouraged to gain a base skill level in all of the activity areas as well as develop a higher level of skill in specific areas they choose. In addition to skill development Greenways explores trust and adventure through initiatives, our low and high ropes courses, complete their Bronze Medallion certification, ORCKA Canoe Tripping Level 1, and have unique rolls camp-wide activities.

While on trip Greenways experience a 2-week sea kayaking/canoeing wilderness expedition on the North Channel and in Killarney Provincial Park. This trip allows participants to continue their development of outdoor living skills and to experience the group dynamics of living in a tight community for an extenuating amount of time.

* Please note that prior participation in the Greenway Program is not a prerequisite for selection to the River Norquay Program. Participants will also be required to submit a doctor’s note prior to June 1, 2019 (additional details to follow).

High School Credit Program

$250John Island Camp has partnered with the YMCA Academy to offer high school course credits for our Greenway and Norquay leadership programs. Registration in the High School Credit Program is optional however only participants that register will be awarded the high school credit.